Photographer's Note

The students of the University of Coimbra are the guardians of traditions that find their roots in this secular university (founded 1290).

It is now the exact period of the well known "Queima das Fitas" (burning of the ribbons).
This period of festivities organised by students in their fourth year (quartanistas)
is a celebration of the end of the academic year dating back to 1890. Throughout the XXth century, this feast has also been a rare occasion for the students to manifest they rebel mind... particularly in time of dictature.

To learn more about the Queima das Fitas : http://www.queimadasfitas.org

When I visited the UC last month, I was lucky enough to picture this group of students wearing their traditional habit (black cape) and posing with their entire class for posterity.
It seems to be a tradition to launch the "fitas".
I would be happy to learn more about it from portuguese TE members.
Are the red ribbons the mark of the Faculty of Law ?

Hi everyone.
I just registered in TrekEarth so I can share with you a few more things about the University of Coimbra and its traditions. I took my engineering degree there, and I always try to go back in May to attend to Queima! I miss those days very much. This is what we call "Saudade" (Can you thanslate this word?)

The basis for a student's life in Coimbra is the "Praxe", at least for those who want to be a part of it, thus accepting all its aspects. It consists of a set of rules, generated over centuries of evolution, which establish the hierarchy between students and between Faculties, the rituals, the time students must return home at night (depending on the year they're attending) and the "sanctions" for each violation. It also defines the two celebration periods of the year, among other aspects.

This order is also important, because it defines the hierarchy between Faculties.
So, Eric, you would have light blue and white ribbons ;)

November is the month of of the "Festa das Latas" (Can Party) when we welcome all the freshmen to their new School, and in May, the Queima celebrates the end of classes just before the final exams. Depending on the year each student is attending, their rituals are different during the party. For example, the Quartanistas (Fourth graders) are the organizers and participate in the Tuesday Parade, in trucks they build and decorate with flowers. I'll try to post some pictures one of these days.

Your picture was taken in the end of the "Academic Shout". Throwing the cloak and the folder (briefcase) upwards is like an explosion of joy in the end.

The "Capa e Batina" is the name we give to the traditional suit. It was first introduced to eliminate social and economical differences between students. However, it was never official, it was like an agreement between students in the old days.
The Veteran Council, which goes back a long time, tries to standardize all that has something to do with the Praxe. Veterans are students who have been more years in the University than they should (In a four year course, a Veteran is anyone who is there for five or more)...

Sorry, it's very difficult to tell all this in a few words, and I just gave you a tiny part of it. I'll try to come back and share more stuff, or if you have any questions.